Big Tobacco companies including Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. announced last week that they had reached an agreement with several states in a long-running dispute that dates back to 1998.

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to review an appeals court’s decision that generic drug manufacturers can face lawsuits over alleged problems in the design of drugs, regardless of federal protections against design-defect claims.

Defense of Marriage Act ruled unconstitutional; To be discrimination, disability need not be the sole reason for firing; Court says shareholder suit against Sears is shameless ploy for attorney fees; Infringing on the same patent not enough to join multiple defendants in one suit

Dan Brown's thriller does not infringe other author's copyright; Coca-Cola legally purchased plant from exiled Egyptian family; No breach of contract for a voluntary payment of $13.99; Disabled employees not guaranteed new jobs within a company